LTF proposes – freeze rents & government provide landlords funding to cover shortfalls in maintaining our homes

Published on October 12, 2022

Published on October 12, 2022

Since 2020 annual social housing rent increases have been set at CPI + 1%

With current high inflation rates (CPI being 10.1%), housing rent increases for 2023/24 would likely be 11,1%.

In response, the government is consulting on a proposed direction from the Secretary of State to the Regulator of Social Housing – to set a ceiling on rent increases for 2023/24.

The consultation proposes a possible ceiling of 3%, 5% or 7% rent increases – while stating that its preferred option is 5%.

Our summary response and proposals to the consultation are:

  • We agree that there should be a temporary amendment to the CPI +1% policy for social housing tenants for 2023/24 and potentially 2024/25 if CPI is still unusually high.
  • We propose that rents be frozen at 2022/23 levels for all social and affordable rent homes. This should include existing, new, relet and sheltered homes – without a 5% flexibility (or 10% in respect of supported housing) above the formula. Likewise, the freeze should cover currently exempted social PFI and temporary housing.
  • There should be a full review of the rent policy in 2025.
  • Social landlords should have sufficient funding to manage and maintain existing and develop new social-rented homes.

Link here to the main content of the LTF response

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